The INDIAN TAROTS – Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is a card of testing. In the card, three cups have fallen while two cups remain standing. The card asks us if we should be more upset about the fallen cups or more grateful for the standing cups. The Five of Cups is thus a pectoral representation of the age-old question: is a cup of water half full or half empty.

Unlike the lone figure in the Four of Cups, who was in repose, the lone figure in the Five of Cups is in grief. She wears a black veil of mourning and her posture looks like she is sad. The reason behind her melancholy is unclear. A popular interpretation is that the figure is sad at the barrier of the river, unaware of the bridge to the right of the card.

At the feet of the figure are three fallen cups. They represent the figure’s past failures. Because there are more fallen cups than standing cups, the figure might be harping on the past without giving much thought to the present. In juxtaposition with the fallen cups, the two standing cups represent the present opportunities that the figure has. Much like the floating cup in the previous card, these two cups are present yet unseen; in order to move forward, the figure needs to break from the past and acknowledge the gifts around him.

In front of the lone figure there roars a flowing river. Water in this instance acts as a separation. Constantly flowing, the deep river gives the figure a sense of anxiety over her authority. The roadblock this river creates feeds into the themes of the three fallen cups. In juxtaposition with the river, the bridge in the far left of the card represents the figure’s hidden ability to overcome the roadblock. In this way, the bridge parallels the standing cups. The solutions to all of the figure’s problems exist near her; all she needs to do is to look for them.

Upright meaning

This card often represents loss, disappointment, and grief. It suggests that you’re experiencing a painful emotional experience, such as a breakup or a loss of a loved one. The card encourages you to acknowledge your feelings and to work through your emotions in a healthy way.

Reverse meaning

This card can indicate acceptance, healing, or moving on. You may be finding ways to cope with your loss or to let go of past hurts. The card suggests that you may need to focus on finding closure or moving forward in a positive direction.